The great Cover-Up. Probably.

Post Divorce Dressing. As I'm divorced I feel very well placed to ask this question. Is there a difference between, married, divorced, and just for good measure - single dressing? In days gone by I think there might have been. Well, there was for married and widowed. Queen Victoria saw  to that. She even had mourning (widow) jewels. Yes, yes... but we're not talking about that, we’re talking about mainly post-divorce. Probably. There's not a difference, just the secret codes of dressing. Take another step into the complicated language of  clothing, regardless of whether you’re dressing for men or women! Do you want to look good for dating-and-mating? Hmmm... but Francine I think you’re missing the point. Is it advisable to look too grand for a divorcée and does it matter? I saw someone all gussied up and that's when this crossed my mind… No, it  wasn't my reflection (see? I'm way ahead of you!) I'm still having fun in the mishmash zone. I'm going to give this question my full attention, then report. Maybe the question is - do you look different if you’re married? (still thinking)

Probably, (as above) - what does this word mean to you? “A reasonable chance that something is true.” So really, regarding anything more than a 50% chance of success. Rubbish! It's the most negative word around. “Probably" means - nothing, zero, don't waste you’re time even saying it! Probably… I tried to make Shalom over a “perceived” miscarriage of justice. Like, after 21 years - let's make peace! To which the other person replied "Probably" and still we don't speak. I for one would much rather that said No, than “probably."

Hand Art… (What?!) No, not what you’re thinking at all (not some action that you’re good at with your hands), but painting more than your fingernails. Not tattoos, but just washable skin ink. Seems everyone's painting some part of their bodies. This week’s fashion in the FT's How To Spend It painted the model in body glitter, all except her face. Took a while to see where the dresses started and the paint finished but this is maybe the beginning of a trend. You can already find it it in some hairstyles. Must explore... As long as the paint doesn't rub off on your dress I think we may have something. To be seen at a Gala near you very soon. (You think?) I dare you to go first...

Great news for us “Women." Pirelli have just released their 2016 calendar and Annie Leibovitz photographed real women (read - Serena Williams, Yoko Ono, Patti Smith, Amy Schumer to name a few) in whatever glory they felt comfortable with. No supermodels dressed as tyres or in next to nothing! As I heard with Playboy, gone are the days of the full frontal (one click of the mouse and you can see all the porn you like…) Now they're really buying Playboy for the articles. Well done I say! And I "might"  even try to get a calendar. I can always give it as a present…

You know I'm looking for new earrings. Well I saw the loveliest pair of Aluminium Pansy ear clips by Jar in the upcoming Christies Important Jewels sale. So my first phone call was… My ex-husband! Who, every day, buys and sells at auction - on what to do (and you know I always believe there's a chance...) There was No Chance. Provenance - how much have earrings like that sold for? So we did our due diligence and a pair this colour haven't come up before, so they're rare. I think they'll go for a lot more money but the process was fun. Can't go to the sale and you never know maybe they'll be unsold (Francine the Eternal Optimist!) and I can then get them. Chance would be a fine thing, but if I did  get lucky, forget my usual earrings - I'd be “Have you seen my Jar?" or those in the know would say “Is Francine wearing Jar earrings?” Wow! How cool would that be? Listen, it could always be an early birthday present. Just sayin’...  As expected the earrings went over the estimate but at least now I know what I'm looking for.

I found myself looking through some old photos yesterday of me married and they started me thinking of my married life. The clarity that they bought to me, from then to now, in what I want in my future life was massive. This must be where the phrase "Back to the Future" comes from… I certainly recommend taking that trip (but it’s not for the faint hearted).

Just watched the Chanel pre-fall 2016 show. Now I must say I'm not really a recent Chanel fan. Went through that phase a long time ago (and now just too expensive for me) but… Congratulations Karl - and your styling team (read Amanda Harlech) was brilliant. It so diffused the heavy thick suits that are the Chanel staple that I really enjoyed it. And what is the most valuable piece of styling?... The tights. Yes, the multi-layered, patterned, black lace tights. They are the key. So off to Fenwick Bond Street I go. I've been wearing my multi-flowered tights with my tri-coloured shoes and trousers. A totally winning combination! They had nothing remotely like them. Just too early Francine. How quickly can they produce a tight or stocking when the show was only yesterday?

The pre-sales have begun. I received a phone call from Erdem - I was interested in a long dress but not at full price. So they called to offer me a 40% discount and I've booked my slot in the changing room (that's a new one one me!) Will (of course) let you know how it looked. Hmmm… Very, very demure but not 100% convinced. If it becomes very cheap I might! Joseph in Brompton Cross also offered me 40% off last week. They even had my tri-colour shoes in the blue/black and brown version in my size that Dior worldwide had sold out of. Just 6 weeks  too late. I'm making a concerted effort to "not" buy the same shoes over and over again in different colours (tell that to Roger Vivier). Anyhow I'm debating the Dior pixie ankle boots. (Really Francine?! Are you sure?) OK, no not sure. But like the sequinned trainers I could always display them as modern art.

So, if you happen to come across a bargain in the pre- or official sales… Just think - wouldn't I really prefer new season? I mean isn't winter over now?

Happy Shopping

F   XX

This blog film might contain upsetting scenes for those suffering from a lack of humour 

PS: Exploring themes for the Jewish Social Scene Movie...